What Are The Physical Requirements For Driving A Truck?
Topic 31461 | Page 1
Different companies, different standards. I was required to demonstrate that I could climb up and down from the back of a trailer, had to lift 50 lbs., climb in and out of the cab, flexible enough to get under the trailer and inspect the king pin/locking bar connection, crank the landing gear up and down. Pretty basic stuff, not like navy seal hell week.
I failed the Roehl physical test because my heart rate was 1 BPM too high. I was able to do all the tests without a problem but they still sent me home.
Like Bruce said it really isn't too hard.
Hi guys, you might remember my post a couple weeks ago where I stated that I was having difficulty downshifting. I'm definitely better at doing it now, as I passed the road test and now have my class A license!
I'm supposed to start a job with Roehl next month, and one of the things I'm seeing on the forms I have to sign is "Qualification Day" which includes passing the drug tests and updating the DOT physical if needed. Then it mentions a pre-work screening to determine if I meet the physical requirements for the job. What are the physical requirements typically for someone who will be doing dry van loads?
Congrats on the CDLA, Grant!! 
As the guys above said, you should be fine. Flatbed is a bit more 'inclusive'with lifting tarps.
If you passed your prior DOT physical with no hiccups, you should be fine. Did your last doc mention anything about using (or needing) a CPAP? That's one thing I could think of (non compliance with CPAP for sleep apnea) that could get you disqualified.
Best of luck, man!
~ Anne ~
CDL:
Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:
- Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
- Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
- Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Sleep Apnea:
A physical disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing, or take shallow breaths, during sleep. These pauses can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Normal breathing will usually resume, sometimes with a loud choking sound or snort.
In obstructive sleep apnea, your airways become blocked or collapse during sleep, causing the pauses and shallow breathing.
It is a chronic condition that will require ongoing management. It affects about 18 million people in the U.S.
CPAP:
Constant Positive Airway Pressure
CPAP is a breathing assist device which is worn over the mouth or nose. It provides nighttime relief for individuals who suffer from Sleep Apnea.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.New Reply:
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Hi guys, you might remember my post a couple weeks ago where I stated that I was having difficulty downshifting. I'm definitely better at doing it now, as I passed the road test and now have my class A license!
I'm supposed to start a job with Roehl next month, and one of the things I'm seeing on the forms I have to sign is "Qualification Day" which includes passing the drug tests and updating the DOT physical if needed. Then it mentions a pre-work screening to determine if I meet the physical requirements for the job. What are the physical requirements typically for someone who will be doing dry van loads?
DOT:
Department Of Transportation
A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.
State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.
Dry Van:
A trailer or truck that that requires no special attention, such as refrigeration, that hauls regular palletted, boxed, or floor-loaded freight. The most common type of trailer in trucking.